Summer camp historically means a lot of different things to multiple generations of children. Vacation Bible School once was just daily Bible based activities for school age children but many churches now hold it in the evening for families to take part together. Scouting camps, sports camps, museum camp, even a visit to grandparents for the week were things to look forward to in the summer for children, or their parents searching for ways to keep them occupied while school is out. Joe and Zack Mitchell Jr. and others throughout the city have taken on a big challenge to entertain and affirm youth in the Teche Area. Experiences at camp often make a lifetime impression on young minds.

Micah Nicholas, director at The Boys & Girls Club of New Iberia, one of the pick up locations for Kamp IKWIA, told the Kiwanis Club during yesterday’s weekly lunch meeting that a three week camp totally changed his life — that and being raised at the Boys & Girls Club he now manages.

The sons of Zack Mitchell Sr., president of Iberia Christian Ministerial Federation, along with participating Iberia Parish pastors and churches have been walking the streets of the community, gathering to pray for the city and holding joint events for more than two years. They plan to impart their passion for the city to leaders of tomorrow. For the third year, summer camp will bring opportunity for youth to be exposed to parts of the community they traditionally do not experience. Each year the program has grown and this year promises to be the best yet for children that only know the way of life in a narrow expanse of land, their own neighborhoods.

What are the kids at Kamp IKWIA going to experience?

They should experience something many have never experienced before. Being in the city, going to Palmetto State Park, canoeing, just breaking down the walls, breaking them out of their comfort zone. A lot of these kids stay within their neighborhood and don’t get to break out to experience other things. Taking them to city hall, is further education in a fun way. To grow they have to think outside the box and do something different.

Where will the children come from and what ages can attend?

We’re aiming at 400 to 450 but we’ll be drawing from the Boys & Girls Club, City Park, registration from several places. Ages are 7 to 16. Parents, grandparents or guardians can call Word of Hope Church at 365-5651, or come by the office at 705 W. Admiral Doyle Drive and register. It’s $15 per child for the week. That includes camp, meals served during the week, transportation, everything they’ll be doing. We have partners but we’re still looking for donations and volunteers to help.

What’s different this year?

This is our third year, last year we stayed in West End Park, but we’re expanding throughout the city. We’re going to Acadian Ambulance, a fire department, things outside of their neighborhoods.

What else do you want people to know about Kamp IKWIA?

Ephesians 2:10 is the theme, “I know who I am.” In this day and age, someone or something can assign you your identity and personality. It’s best to know who God says you are so you can live your calling, your destiny, what God has for you. Volunteers are welcome. Donations are appreciated.

What are some of the planned activities for the week?

Monday July 29 is Orientation, Education, and Instruction to Parents. This session is focused on exposing parents to what will be accomplished as it relates to the theme and their son/daughter. Also, how to continue the effort at home and readying their son or daughter for the 2019-2020 school year. Tuesday July 30 is actually the first day of Kamp, located at West End Park. Activities include relays, basketball, Tug-of-war, hygiene Instruction, arts & crafts, drama/skit teaching, outside obstacle course, and Vision Board preparation.

That sounds like a lot to do in one day. Will campers choose what they want to do?

There will be multiple activities happening simultaneously, so children can choose to be involved in the things they like to do.

What is a Vision Board?

That is a time we will be breaking into small groups to talk about how God created us individually, with unique gifts and talents and how to activate the calling in our lives of those talents. We’ll have bible study to teach them what the Word of God says about who they are.

What happens the rest of the week?

Wednesday July 31 is the second day of Kamp, again at West End Park. Activities include acting/dance Instruction, drum class, kick ball, water balloons, work market/financial vision planning, arts & crafts and basketball. Thursday Aug. 1 we’ll spend half of the day at Palmetto Island State Park and half of the Kamp in the city of New Iberia. Activities at the state park will include nature presentation and walk, survival course, splash pad and break-out sessions. Activities in the city includes horticulture presentation by LA Agriculture, a nursing home visit where kids will present items they created in the first two days of Kamp. They will tour a fire station in New Iberia and participate in street clean. Friday Aug. 2, the fourth and final day of Kamp IKWIA, will be half at Palmetto Island State Park to enjoy the splash pad, a scavenger hunt, capture the flag, canoeing and a nature presentation with a walk. Half will again be in the city. Mayor Freddie DeCourt and Police Chief D’Albor will give the campers a tour of city hall, we’ll go to neighborhood gardens and revisit the Vision Boards.